Col. Richard J. Narel

Colonel Richard J. Narel 88, of Worcester, passed away Saturday, July 1st, 2023, at Saint Francis Home.

Richard is survived by his children, Deborah Hersh and her husband Jon of Northborough, Matthew Narel and his wife Jennean of Maine, Leonard Narel and his wife Sharon of Worcester, Jonah Narel of Worcester; two stepdaughters, Christine Fournier and her husband Tommy of Dudley, and Carla Murray of SC., a brother James Narel and his wife Janice of Fairfax, VA.  Nine grandchildren, Cameron, Paige-Julia, Sam, Emily, Zayden, Jason, Jeffery, Aidan, and Justin, and two great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by a brother Leonard in 1943, his wife Nancy in 2015, and his former wife Elaine Scannell in 2019.

Richard or better known as Dick was the son of the late Joseph W. Narel and Phyllis D. (Moskal) Narel. He was born and raised in Worcester and was a lifetime resident.  Dick was a graduate of Commerce High School, and Anna Maria College. He served the 3rd Infantry Division 82nd Airborne, as well as the Army National Guard. 

Dick worked at the former Wyman Gordon plant in Worcester before working as a draftsman for George Myer Co. in West Boylston.  Upon the shuttering of George Myer Co. Dick went on to serve in the Army National Guard full time. His time in the National Guard brought him to Germany and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth Kansas where he graduated with honors. Retiring from the National Guard he achieved the rank of Colonel. After retiring from the military Dick worked as a Project Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Engineering Construction.

Dick was the life of the party always quick with a pun, a joke or a song. He was a compassionate soul who never turned his back on anyone in time of need.  Dick was a talented artist and cartoonist as well as a great bedtime story teller. His knowledge of war battles and arenas would be the envy of many professors.

He was an original season ticket holder of the New England Patriots and was extremely elated to see them win 6 Super Bowls, and the Red Sox finally win a World Series. Vacationing in Camp Ellis, Maine with his family and friends were some of his happiest memories.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 12th from 4 to 7 pm. in the Mercadante Funeral Home& Chapel, 370 Plantation St, Worcester, MA.  A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joan of Arc Parish 570 Lincoln St, Worcester MA. on Thursday, July 13th at 10 am.

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